Anna Questerly

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Managing Your Muse Part 4: Spreadsheets

Long, long ago I had to take a training class on how to use
spreadsheets. Understanding how they worked was one of my biggest challenges;
using a word processor came much easier for me. I prefer words to numbers and
always have.

Now, I use them frequently, but my spreadsheets for fiction
are filled with words. No math allowed. (Okay, that’s a lie. I do use them to
track royalties.)

While spreadsheets aren’t strictly necessary; for someone
like me, who can’t read her own handwriting after a week or so, they can be
quite helpful. I also find them easier to change and to quickly locate, besides
they are much neater than my scribbled notebooks.

If your novel features more than two characters, you will
find you’ll need something to keep continuity in your story. Seriously, if your
character’s eyes change from blue to green, you need a better reason to offer
your readers than “I forgot.”

It’s easy to create a simple character spreadsheet. I know
authors with more of a tech background who make some amazing character sheets
complete with photos. If you have the skills and the time, go for it; I prefer
a more minimalist approach.

Across the top, I type my character names, keeping my
primary characters in the first few positions, and secondary characters further
to the right. Down the left side, I list attributes such as physical features,
where they are from, what they like, what they don’t, etc. Then I fill in the
boxes, creating characters out of bits and bytes.

Ever wonder how authors are able to weave subplots into
their story? I did too, until I learned a way that made sense to me and, Voila!
Another use for spreadsheets in fiction is born: keeping track of plot points
and subplots. Again, you don’t need a spreadsheet, you can use a hand drawn
chart, which is what I did at first, but those easier-to-read and
quicker-to-find issues pop up again.

Sorry, I can’t let you can’t peek at mine; it would spoil the story. However, the YouTube link I provided above,
gives a great example from the movie, The
Matrix.

In your spreadsheet, along the top, place the names of your
main plot and subplots. For example; Action, Character, Romance, &
Betrayal. Down the left side, list your plot points. Hook, plot turn 1, pinch,
mid-point, pinch 2, plot turn, & resolution. As you begin to fill in the
boxes, you will see where the subplots, can be threaded through your main plot
in a way that makes sense. You’ll be able to watch your character arc build,
and you’ll know you’ve given the reader the hints and foreshadowing needed for fair
twists and surprises.

Basically, it’s a simple chart, but using it to keep my
story architecture in place, allows me to keep track of each scene-block
without them crumbling down around me into a jumbled mess.

When you are finished creating your charts, put them in a
folder on your desktop so you can get to
them when you need them. You can also print them out and hang them near your
desk.

Your critique partners, editors, and readers will thank you
for keeping the continuity in your storyline and praise your ability to
skillfully pull together your subplots into a cohesive tale.

Oh, and don’t forget to create a spreadsheet to keep track
of your royalties. Uncle Sam will appreciate it.